By Deniese O’Flaherty

Sacred Heart School, Westport 3-9
Moate CS 2-10

Sacred Heart School from Westport are the new Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary School Junior A champions after a pulsating final against Moate CS at Orchard Park in Elphin.

Both sides produced some outstanding football in a contest that was played in a very sporting manner. There was high quality fielding, superb scores and excellent defending. Moate will rue missed chances but Westportgot the scores at crucial times.

With just two points between the sides entering stoppage time Moate went in search of a dramatic late goal but Anna Ryan was denied by Westport keeper Lauren Cusack and then Daisy Bucy McLaughlin hit her effort wide.

Moate went straight for goal from the attack but Sacred Heart showed their defensive qualities. In the tenth minute Cusack pulled off an excellent save to deny Ryan.

Despite Moate’s chances it was Westport’s Emma McGing that got the opening score in the eighth minute. Moate’s reply was a goal from Ryan minutes later. It was an action game and in the 13th minute a free from player of the match Katie Hughes ended up in the back of the net to put the Westport school back in front.

Westport had pace and with Reynolds in attack they tried to play a lot of play into her. Ryan was the playmaker for Moate.

Both defences were under pressure for periods of the half but they put in resolute displays and were able to frustrate the opposition forwards. Westport got a second goal in the 21st minute through Rheanna Hoban.

Moate created a goal chance in the 25th minute but Chloe Malone was unlucky to see her effort hit the butt of the post. Ally Duffy and Ryan scored late points for Moate to leave the half-time scoreline at 2-4 to 1-4 in favour of Westport.

A second goal from Ryan levelled matters in the 36th minute. Westport were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute when Reynolds was fouled and Aoibhinn McNamara put away the spot-kick.

Moate responded well but Westport were able to hold on for an excellent win and bring the All-Ireland title back to Mayo..

Scorers - Sacred Heart School: K Hughes 1-5 (1f), A McNamara 1-1 (1-0 pen), R Hoban 1-0, S Reynolds 0-2, E McGing 0-1.

Moate CS: A Ryan 2-4, C Malone 0-5 (2f), K Lynam 0-1.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL: L Cusack; M Mulchrone, S McGing, K Moran; E Conway, C Kennedy, C Keane; A Meaney, R Malone; K Hughes, E Casey, E McGing; S Reynolds, A McNamara, R Hoban. Subs: E Walsh for Malone (19), K McGing for Hoban (ht), R Malone for Meaney (59).

MOATE CS: L Daly; G David, R Foley, L McHugh; D Buckys McLaughlin, H Pratlett, M Casey; C Malone, L Martin; A Duffy, H Murray, K Lynam; A Kelly, A Ryan, H Toughey. Sub: G Dolan for Martin (ht), K Corcoran for Casey (44).

REFEREE: Philip Conway (Armagh).

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